This report seeks to study the condition of women in prison in India and inform
action for improvement. An attempt has been made to build understanding on
the entitlements of women in prison, the issues faced by them and the possible
methods for resolution of the same.

Drawing on empirical data from four gram panchayats in Orissa, the paper examines the ‘representation’ of elected representatives—more particularly those of disadvantaged categories—by exploring their participation in the governance process, responsiveness towards the interest o